Welcome to the Great Lakes Friesian Horse Association

The Friesian Horse

History

The Friesian Horse originated from Friesland, a small province of the Netherlands (Holland). It dates back to the early 16^th century. The Friesian is well known for being used as a war horse during the Dutch Independence war against Spain. It was then a heavy, draft-like breed. Andalusian blood was later added to help create the Friesian as it is today, a lighter structure with an animated trot.

The Friesian then became a valued work horse, working the farmland in its native country. With the advancement of farms and machinery, the Friesian became a treasured driving horse, with floating feathers and strong knee action. During this time Friesians were also used in trotting races, either on horse-back or while pulling a Friesian sjees (carriage.)

Due to crossbreeding, the Friesian Horse was nearly wiped out completely in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s. There were only 3 approved breeding stallions left in the world, and the purebred Friesian was nearly lost. Thanks to the efforts of a few people devoted to the purebred Friesian breed, two new studbooks were started, and the Friesian breed was brought back to life.

Most recently, the Friesian Horse has become a valued riding horse. It was the treasure of Holland for many years, until 1985 when came a movie Ladyhawke. Ladyhawke starred Rutger Hauer (From the Netherlands), Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Broderick, and the Friesian stallion, Othello. This exposure is the primary introduction of the Friesian breed to the United States.

Today, all Dutch Friesians are governed by the Friese Paarden Stamboek (FPS, or translated, Friesian Horse Studbook), which is one of the most strict breed registries in the world. More recently there are other Friesian registries, including the next largest, the “German registry,” Friesenpferde-Zuchtverband (more commonly known as just FPVZ). This is a different registry with different rules than the FPS, and was originally started to promote Dutch Friesian breeding in Germany. They later decided to become a stand-alone registry not affiliated with FPS; therefore, FPS Friesians and FPVZ Friesians are judged differently, and one cannot breed a FPS mare to an approved FPVZ stallion and have a registerable FPS foal. There is conflict between the “Dutch book” and the “German book,” and they are no longer in any way affiliated. There are also several other registries promoting Friesians from unapproved stallions, as well as Friesian crossbreds, but the Friese Paarden Stamboek is the original Friesian registry, responsible for bringing the breed back to life. At one time, all Friesians were registered with the FPS.

Keuring (judging)

Friesian horses are rated based on their conformation and movement prior to being entered into the adult studbook. Each year, qualified officials of the Friese Paarden Stamboek are sent to North America to inspect, or “judge” Friesian Horses. This is an evaluation process that helps this country upgrade Friesian breeding programs. This event is called a KEURING, translated to “judging”, and horses are judged 60% on their quality of movement (at only the walk and trot,) and 40% on conformation. Most Friesians are judged twice in their lifetime, once when they are foals, for entry into the Foal Book, and again when they are 3 years or older for entry into the adult studbooks. Foals must be shown at their mother’s side within their first year of life. When a horse or foal is inspected at a ‘keuring’ (judging), they may be awarded a premie (translated premium). This process of judging is used to designate the horses with the most desirable characteristics. The foal premies are as follows:

1^st Premie- The very best, receiving an orange ribbon, and only the top 15% of all foals receive this honor.

2^nd Premie- Very good, receiving a red ribbon, and the next 25% of foals receive this.

3^rd Premie- most common, receiving a white ribbon, and being the next 40%.

Some horses may not receive a premie at all.

After the foals are evaluated on the day of the keuring, they are micro-chipped. A licensed veterinarian inserts a tiny microchip into the crest portion of the neck. This chip contains a unique number, which is used to identify the horse throughout its life. This number is also recorded on the horse’s registration papers. Prior to 1997, a number was tattooed on the underside of the foal’s tongue.

At the keuring, the foals are not the only horses to be judged. Mares, geldings, and stallions are judged for admission into the adult studbook, and it is ranked using a linear score sheet. This lists positive or negative point scores for various aspects of conformation, breed characteristics and movement. The very best quality adult mares and geldings may receive additional status. The highest quality stallions may be invited to participate in the 70 day stallion testing program which is required for the stallion to receive a 5 year provisional breeding license. Not only may all the adults be entered into the adult studbook, but they also may receive the following:

Ster (“star”) mare or gelding- Any mares or geldings judged receiving either a first or second premie will become a ster mare or gelding. As well as conformation and movement, there is also a height requirement of at least 1.55 meters. Approximately 20% of horses will receive ster status. Foal book stallions may also receive the ster status, but they do not receive any premiums.

Crown Mare- Once granted ster status, a mare may be eligible for model mare status. The mare is usually 4 years old or more, stand at least 1.58 meters, and have born and nursed a foal. She must demonstrate she is the best of all ster mares worldwide by outstanding conformation and superb movement. She is first granted “provisional crown” status and then must also complete a performance test in the next year to prove her capabilities as a riding or driving horse.

Model Mare- Once granted the Crown status, a mare may be eligible for model mare status. The mare is usually 7 years old or more and have born and nursed a foal. She must demonstrate she is the best of all crown mares worldwide by outstanding conformation and superb movement.

Preferential Mare or Approved Stallion- This status is granted to horses that have proven themselves by consistently producing quality offspring. To qualify for preferential status a horse must have a minimum of four offspring who have achieved ster or model mare, ster gelding, studbook stallion (approved), or a stallion who has reached the second level of stallion judging.

Breeding and Breed Information

The FPS is very strict when it comes to breeding the Friesian horse. Only approved Friesian stallions may be bred to registered Friesian mares. A potential breeding stallion is usually presented to the judges at the keuring when he is 3 or 4 years old. They must meet certain height criteria and possess the best-of-the-best in conformation and movement. The stallion must also pass a detailed veterinary examination, including x-rays. Potential breeding stallions are also tested under saddle, participate in a driving test, and also demonstrate his pulling abilities. Finally, a stallion also must exhibit a wonderful character and heart, and willingness to work or perform. They are also tested on stall manners. At this point approximately 0.2% of all colts born receive a provisional breeding license. After a sufficient number of years have passed, each FPS stallion undergoes the evaluation of his offspring when they reach the age of 3 years. If the stallion shows consistency in the quality of his offspring, he is “qualified on offspring” and does not need to be tested any further. However, if he does not consistently throw quality foals, his breeding privileges could be revoked permanently.

Every foal registered into the FPS studbook has a meaning behind their name. Each year is assigned with three or four letters, going down the alphabet, in which the foal’s name must start with. This helps the FPS and its affiliates, guesstimate an age on any given horse just based on their registered name. The letters for the 2005 foaling year were P, Q, R or S, meaning all the foals born that year must have a registered name beginning with one of these letters.

At one time, Friesians came in all colors, but through selective breeding, they are now bred to be black. Once in a great while you will come up with a recessive trait such as a ‘red’ Friesian, but these are extremely rare. Though they can be registered in the FPS Foal Book, they are not allowed to be registered in the main stud book. Aside from their black coats, Friesians are known for lots of ‘hair’. Most have long, flowing manes and tails, which can occasionally be wavy or curly. The lower legs are covered with an abundance of hair called “feathers.” The modern Friesian horse is prohibited from having any white on its body with the exception of the forehead. A small white star is permissible on the forehead, but if any white appears anywhere else, that Friesian is not permitted in the main stud book registry. The Friesian is also known for its high neck set, low tail set and flashy knee action that occurs naturally.

Friesians in general have a very kind temperament. They are very people oriented and loving, friendly, willing and loyal. They strive to please and are easily trainable. Most Friesians seem to adore water as well, even known to dump their water tanks if there is no water to play in anywhere else. Their black coat, long, thick manes and tails and feathers on the lower legs, high head carriage, and striking knee action is most recognized about this Black Gem of Friesland. But come to know one, and you will soon learn that they are just as beautiful on the inside!